Hello my lovely readers, I have returned!

***TW: panic attack***

Astrid looked over her reflection as she stood in front of the mirror in their bedroom. She carefully smoothed out the wrinkles in one of her two formal gowns - the one specifically made to be more forgiving to a pregnant belly - and chuckled.

"You know, part of me really believed Willow would be the last time I wore this gown." She turned her head to shoot Hiccup a playfully accusatory look. "I should have known better. You love your babies too much."

Hiccup guiltily smiled from where he sat on the bed. "Alright, I admit, you caught me." He secured his prosthetic and took his place behind Astrid in the mirror, kissing the back of her head and gently squeezing her shoulders. "But I am not the only one."

Astrid failed to suppress her smile. "Only because they're yours."

Hiccup reached around her and cradled her belly in his hands as he kissed the sensitive spot directly behind her ear. Astrid closed her eyes and shivered. "H-hey now, you already have another one in there. And we don't have time, we're going to be late."

Astrid opened her eyes at just the wrong time to catch Hiccup's mischievous smile half hidden in her hair in the mirror. "Are you trying to convince me or yourself?" He swiftly moved his hands to tie the ribbon under her bust behind her back. She watched his eyes in the mirror catch her pregnant belly as the ribbon tightened her dress and accentuated it. His smile lovingly softened, no doubt imagining the moment he would hold his fifth newborn for the first time, and Astrid's heart melted. Of course, it quickened a moment later when he turned his back to grab the rest of his clothes from the bed, giving Astrid a wonderful view of his very round ass.

She decided to distract herself. "Well, it's a good thing you love them so much. This one may actually come close to your birthday."

"Hopefully not too close, that'd still be a little early. You know, how is it that Spero is the only other one that came close? Considering your birthday is nine months before mine."

"Oh that's easy. I spent three of my birthdays already pregnant. But Willow was definitely your birthday."

Hiccup snorted. "Are you sure it was my birthday night specifically?"

Astrid rolled her eyes. No, she was absolutely not sure. Hiccup and Astrid definitely didn't need the excuse of special occasions to do anything remotely intimate. In fact, Astrid was very concerned she hadn't been able to carry children at all during the first year of their marriage; it wasn't until after their first anniversary that she found out she was expecting Zephyr, and it absolutely was not for lack of trying. After all, there was a reason they wanted their home a bit further back into the trees than most of the village.

Then another thought occurred to her that dampened her mood. She bit her lip. "And… It'll definitely be here before the first thaw."

Hiccup fastened the last buckle on his vest as he glanced up at her. "The baby?"

Astrid nodded, then half-heartedly smiled. "You won't miss it."

Hiccup smiled in understanding, eyes falling to the floor. "Ah. Well, you know how much I love our babies. I would've postponed the trip to make sure I was here."

Astrid couldn't find it in her to smile at his attempt to lighten the mood. "You say 'trip' like you're not talking about starting a war."

"Astrid, we've talked about this." He took her hands in his and guided her to the bed, sitting next to her. His voice was gentle but firm. "Boyra started the war when he targeted the Wingmaidens. The Outcasts were all but wiped out because we were unprepared. We can't wait around until he comes to us."

Astrid sighed and leaned into his chest. Hiccup didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her. "I know, I know. We just… We were so spoiled with fifteen years of peace. And with the baby…"

"You won't be going with me," he finished for her. He hugged her tighter and let out a sad laugh. "Trust me, I don't want to be running into battle without you. But maybe it's for the best. The kids need someone here-"

"In case you don't come back?" Astrid lifted her head to make sure her husband knew how much she hated the implication.

"Until I do come back," he corrected. He brushed away a tear that escaped Astrid's eye. "You have nothing to worry about. Snotlout will have my back." He winked.

Astrid sniffed and wiped away a few tears herself, chuckling. "Gods, I never thought those words would actually bring me some peace."

"Well, he did learn from the best." He kissed her forehead as she took a deep breath, shaking off the extra-strong pregnancy emotions. Brushing her hair away from her face, he added, "Besides, I'm afraid Zephyr is really going to need you here. Snotlout may have my back, but I already know Eirson will be to my right."

Astrid leaned her head on Hiccup's shoulder again. He wrapped his arm around her back and reached over to rub her belly. "Are you going to make her acting chief?"

Hiccup sighed. "I haven't decided. That's a lot of responsibility and stress to put on her. But I don't want to put too much on you either so close to giving birth. And it might take her mind off of worrying about Eirson."

"It's just a title, love."

"I know, but titles mean a lot to her."

"We'll split the responsibilities if it's too much no matter who has it. And I think you're right, she'll need something productive to keep her busy."

And, in the case that Hiccup didn't make it home, Zephyr would have to take his place permanently. Astrid knew they were both thinking it. But neither of them would dare say it aloud.

Hiccup shivered, likely shaking off whatever horrible image his mind had shown him. "Well… That's not important right now. There's not much we can do about it now so let's take advantage of the calm before the storm. Let's enjoy this night with our family and friends, and let the hard stuff wait awhile."

Astrid shook off her own horrible mental images and sighed heavily. "We'll see how long I last. This baby is only a few months away, and I'm definitely feeling it."

Hiccup smiled and stood up, offering his help to his already exhausted looking wife. She smiled in thanks and took his hands, letting him pull her to her feet. "Say the word and I will bring you home, milady."

"I look ridiculous," Eirson said, fidgeting with the cuffs of his sleeves. "Look, I really appreciate what your parents are doing, but Outcasts don't exactly do 'formal.' Dad's 'formal wear' was the one pair of pants he let me patch the holes in."

Zephyr couldn't help looking him up and down. The green tunic was brand new, freshly sewn by Zephyr herself, and complete with bronze cuffs that were carefully forged by Grandpapi Gobber. They boasted a swirled design around the top and bottom edges that Zephyr couldn't help but relate to her own personal chief's seal, adorned with an engraving of the Outcast tribal seal that faced outward when his arms were at his sides. Over the tunic was a leather vest that was clearly made by her father, complete with multiple buckles and straps across his chest and stomach. Of course, new pants and boots completed the look, the pants sewn by Astrid and boots crafted by Snotlout; Hiccup had even offered his old chieftain furs, though Eirson insisted that was too much. That conversation did not end the way Eirson thought it would. Eirson was very clearly not used to the nicer, fresh materials. Zephyr was shocked he hadn't ripped it all off to crawl back into his familiar and overly-worn everyday clothes yet.

"I don't know, the leather looks very… Alluring on you."

His face turned bright red and his hands stilled. "Oh… Uh…"

Zephyr laughed, quite pleased with herself. "Come here, let's fix whatever mess is going on with your hair."

"Oh yes, combed hair was definitely part of Dad's formal getup," he grumbled as he sat down.

"Hush, you. Just trust me, alright?"

He flinched. "Just don't do anything too… Too intricate, please?"

I suppose that means I'll have to go with Plan B, Zephyr thought to herself. "Just trust me."

He sighed heavily. "You know I do. Otherwise I wouldn't be doing this," he added in a low grumble.

Zephyr smiled as she brushed through his hair. "You're going to have fun, I promise. Remember my birthday? Berkians throw some impressive celebrations."

"No offense, Zeph, but your birthday could've gone a bit smoother."

She rolled her eyes. "Sure, the whole announcement part. But the party was a great time."

He turned around in the chair to look at her, pulling the top half of his hair out of Zephyr's hands before she could secure it. "Fishlegs ended up on the Great Hall roof. I didn't even know the Great Hall had a roof. I mean I figured it did, at some point, but it's also carved into a mountain - that's not the point, the point is your brother has concerning talents. And I've never exactly had to represent my tribe like this before. And after everything that's happened, I just…" He slowly turned back around and sat properly in the chair again. "It just doesn't feel right without Dad here."

Zephyr's heart ached. She set the brush down on the floor and wrapped her arms around Eirson's shoulders from behind him. "I know it doesn't. But look how far you've come, he'd be so proud of you." She kissed his cheek, and she caught him smiling the slightest bit. "I know I am."

He reached up and squeezed her arm. "Thanks, Zeph."

She kissed his cheek again and stood up, pulling the top half of his hair back. "Besides, you don't have to worry about Nuffink. He's obnoxious but he knows there's a time and place."

"Zephyr, he gave Spitlout a pastry with a bug in it."

Zephyr refrained from smirking. "And Spitelout deserved that. He'd been bad-mouthing me all night, and Nuffink had enough of it. You, on the other hand, he likes. So you have nothing to worry about."

"Oh, I see. And I'm sure you've had extensive conversations with him about this," he teased.

Zephyr's cheeks flushed. She was suddenly incredibly focused on braiding the locks she had just finished securing. "Actually… Yes, I have."

Eirson started to turn his head, but Zephyr chided him. Looking straight ahead again, he asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well… Let's just say that Nuffink is very stealthy, and he knows the whole island like the back of his hand, so he's very good at spying when he wants to be."

"See, that's the part that I'm a little concern- Ow!"

Zephyr dropped the piece of his hair she had tugged on and finished off the big rope braid. "Anyway, he loves when a lot of people visit at once and cause chaos because 'it's the ultimate test' or something like that. For example, my birthday." She tied off the bottom of the big braid and moved to Eirson's side, planning to add a few tiny braids around his head and leaving it at that for the night. "You and your dad were the two guests of honor he didn't know, so he was intrigued. And… He saw you defend me."

Eirson looked confused at first, but after a moment of sorting through his memories he seemed a little stunned. "O-oh." He blushed again. "And… And he told you?"

She shrugged. "He tells me everything. It wasn't until after the Wingmaidens came, though." She finished two tiny braids on his left side and moved to his right. Her curiosity got the best of her, and she asked with an amused smile, "Did you really tell him to pull the stick out of his ass? Like, to his face?"

Eirson groaned and closed his eyes. "Oh gods, he really did tell you everything."

Zephyr laughed. "Well, it made a good impression on Nuffink. And… I guess it helped me see that you really did mean all the things you said."

Eirson smiled. "I guess I need to give Nuffink my thanks, then."

Zephyr finished off the last of the braids and stood in front of Eirson. "There. You look great!"

Eirson stood and managed to hold his composure for a few seconds. But he quickly starting fiddling with the large bronze cuffs and pulling at the leather vest. "It's itchy, is it supposed to be itchy?"

Zephyr rolled her eyes. "It's not itchy, you're just allergic to responsibility."

Eirson held his hand over his heart in feigned betrayal. "Oh, you wound me!"

Zephyr laughed. "I'm just joking. Go on ahead of me, I still have to get myself ready."

Eirson groaned. "If I have to." He grabbed Hiccup's old furs and threw them over his shoulders. "This just feels so weird," he mumbled. "Are you sure you don't need any help?" As if realizing what he had said a moment after he said it, his eyes widened. "I mean, I know you can dress yourself, that's not what I-"

"Eirson, it's okay, I know what you meant," Zephyr laughed. She reached up and clasped the furs into place. "I'll be right behind you, I promise."

He took a deep breath. "Right. Okay, I'll see you soon." He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss before bracing himself and walking out into the cold.

She made her way up to her room and found her blue and black dress from her birthday lying on her bed next to her chieftain's furs. She took a deep breath. "It's okay, this is going to be fun," she tried to convince herself. She pulled her hair out of her braid and brushed it out with her fingers. She quite liked the way it waved and fell on its own, so she decided to wear it down and keep things simple. And then she did everything in her power to not remember all the things that happened the last time she wore the dress she was putting on. So much had happened since then, they had all changed in so many ways. It felt like years had passed. And yet when she turned to the looking glass, she still felt like that little girl playing dress up again. Though the feeling only lasted for a moment, and the longer she looked, the more she felt like a true chief's apprentice.

She shivered. She was done with the looking glass for tonight.

Eirson was sitting with her family, as he typically did these days. He had a protective arm around Willow, who was balanced on his lap eating her food. Nuffink sat between Eirson and Valka, and across the table was Hiccup, Spero, and Astrid. To Eirson's right was an empty space, waiting patiently for Zephyr to join. Snoggletog was a less formal event on New Berk (though the Haddocks still made sure to dress their best), so the head table was instead used to display the beautiful banquet Grammie Runa had spent the last month planning and prepping for.

As Zephyr made her way to her family, Eirson quickly caught sight of her. He froze, eyes wide as his mouth turned up into an adoring smile. Zephyr couldn't help returning the smile as she made her way around the table. Willow spotted Eirson's face and giggled at him, but Eirson didn't notice.

"You look so beautiful," he managed in a breathless voice.

Zephyr blushed and her smile turned shy as she took her seat next to him. "You've seen this dress before."

He leaned closer to her. "Wanna know a secret?" He kissed her cheek and whispered into her ear, "You were just as beautiful then, too."

"You're so cheesy," she whispered back, but her smile betrayed her. She quickly kissed his lips, and Willow giggled again. "I see you have your new best friend with you. Do I have some competition?" She smiled wide at her sister and tickled her.

"Never, you're the only woman for me," Eirson said. But then he leaned down to Willow and loudly whispered, "It's okay, you're still my girl, too. Just don't tell your sister."

Willow had, for some reason, grown very attached to Eirson over the last few months. Zephyr had a nagging suspicion it had to do with the fact that he was eerily calm amidst the battle preparations, and Willow noticed how tense everyone else was. But that was a problem for later. Zephyr didn't mind; truth be told, she kind of liked the look of a baby on his lap. Interesting.

Turning to the rest of her family, she found her father very focused on his food but smiling nonetheless, and her mother watching the interaction fondly with her head on Hiccup's shoulder. "Babe, remember when we were still cutesy like that?"

Hiccup chuckled. "Milady, we had sword and axe fights."

Astrid sighed and looked off into the distance. "Those were such good times."

Eirson chuckled and pushed an extra plate towards Zephyr. "Here, I grabbed your favorites before they ran out."

She looked down and found a plate neatly stacked with honey-glazed parsnips and carrots next to a healthy serving of Grammie Runa's specialty lamb chops, along with a big slice of honey bread slathered in butter. He then slid over a small bowl of skyr topped with honey and berries. It was in fact all of her favorite foods, making Zephyr smile even more. "Aw, thank you, Eir."

"Anything for you."

The Great Hall was already loud with music and conversation. Ale and mead were generously flowing, and for the first time in months, New Berk was buzzing with the vigor that it used to have any day of the week. Yes, everyone knew what was coming as soon as the ice melted, but perhaps that was what made celebrating tonight all the more important. Troubles were left at home, and nothing could sour the mood. Valka had gotten up to talk to Runa, and the pair were smiling and laughing over Runa's amazing feast. Ruffnut was sitting at a table happily watching Nutmeg dance on Fishlegs' feet next to her. Tuffnut was telling some crazy story to a group of men with outrageous animation. Snotlout and Minden were giggling over feeding each other little bites of food. Even Spitlout and his goons were enjoying their drinks with jolly expressions. War was the last thing on anyone's mind.

"Eirson, look at what I made!" Spero nearly stood up on his seat to show Eirson a roughly woven sheath.

Eirson's eyes lit up with amazement. "Oh, wow, buddy, that's so good! Did you make it all by yourself?"

Spero sat back down, a little sheepish now. "Daddy helped me. He said, he said that one day, he said I'll have my own knife to, to carry in it."

"That's awesome! Do you think Nuffink will teach you how to use it?"

"Well, I-I hope so!"

Nuffink smiled at his brother. "Of course I will, Spes. We can use it to gather herbs for Uncle Tuffie."

Spero's jaw dropped. "Really?"

"Yeah! Look, I have one already." He held up his own knife safely sheathed in its own leather pouch. "I'll teach you everything Tuffie taught me."

Eirson leaned over to study the knife. "Hey, man, that's a cool blade. Did one of your uncles make it for you?"

Nuffink smiled proudly. "No, actually, Dad gave it to me. It was his growing up and he said I could have it."

"After you found it sneaking around in our room, you mean?" Hiccup narrowed his eyes, but he was smiling. "That's the knife I used to free Toothless after I shot him down."

Zephyr chuckled and leaned over to Eirson. "Storytime," she joked.

"It was a late raid that night, but there was so much fire it could've been the middle of the day," Hiccup started. Astrid shook her head with a fond smile as Willow, Spero, and Nuffink all leaned in close. Occasionally, Willow would turn her head with an amazed expression to Eirson, who would mirror her amazement back to her before she swiveled back around to watch Hiccup.

Zephyr had heard the story a million times, but she'd be lying if she said she was sick of it. Her father was an amazing storyteller, after all. But this time she couldn't help watching Eirson's expressions as he heard the story for the first time. In between the over-exaggerated glances he gave Willow was true interest, and his smile was effortless and genuine. The last few months had been hardest on him, and Zephyr knew he still struggled with whatever it was that had driven him to jump into that freezing spring. But lately those sparks of the old Eirson started to shine through again, and Zephyr had only felt more and more love for him as he healed. He fit so naturally into her family, it was hard to imagine him anywhere else but right here by her side.

"I looked at him, and I saw myself. So, I knelt down and cut the ropes instead. And Toothless could have turned on me right then and there. He shrugged off the ropes and towered above me, staring me down the whole time. I was cornered, I had nowhere to go. But instead of attacking me, he shrieked as loud as he could, inches from my face. And then he pounced off through the trees."

"And then you passed out," Astrid finished for him. Everyone at the table burst into laughter as Hiccup rolled his eyes and waved his hands in a weak surrender.

Valka walked back up to the table and started laughing as well. "Oh my, what story have I missed this time?"

"Dad passing out after he set Toothless free," Zephyr explained.

Hiccup jumped to defend himself. "Hey, if the Unholy Offspring of Lightning and Death Itself screeched like that in your face, you would've passed out too! I didn't know he was tame as a rabbit yet." The last few words came out in chuckles.

Willow reached up for Valka, who lifted her up out of Eirson's lap. "Oh, your father has come a long way, hasn't he?"

"Don't tell her that, she still thinks I could always conquer the world!"

Astrid patted his leg, encouraging him in a placating voice like she did with the little ones. "Of course you can, sweetie!"

He gave a withering look to Eirson. "See what I have to deal with?"

Eirson chuckled and stood, hands raised in surrender. "Don't pull me into this, I said nothing." He smiled and held out a hand towards Zephyr. "Would you like to dance?"

Zephyr smiled with raised eyebrows. "Oh? Would you?"

He shrugged. "Well, you've already got me dressed the part, I might as well act like it, too."

Zephyr nodded approvingly, a proud smile gracing her lips. She took his hand and let him lead her to the empty space in the middle of the Hall. "You know, if you're that uncomfortable, just say the word and I'll take you home."

Eirson mocked a shocked gasp. "Oh, how scandalous!"

Zephyr laughed. "Well, I never said I was traditional."

"My dear, we all know just how untraditional you are." He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. "It's one of my favorite things about you."

"Well, that was smooth," she muttered, ignoring the tingle in her chest and the gentle blooming of warmth beneath her smile. She never got tired of hearing him call her my dear.

Eirson smirked as his hand fell to her waist. "Oh good, I still have something going for me."

Zephyr rolled her eyes as she naturally rested her hand on his chest and followed his lead. "Stop that, you have plenty going for you."

"You know, if you had offered to take me home when I got too uncomfortable, I wouldn't have left in the first place."

"Of course. Why do you think I waited until we got here?"

"Oh, now that's just rude."

Zephyr laughed again. "Come on, are you really going to tell me this isn't worth it?" She lifted her hand on his cheek for just a little more emphasis.

He smiled and rested his forehead against hers. "No, this definitely makes the scratchy shirt worth it."

"Hey, I made that shirt, you know."

"Oh that's right, that explains a lot. What did Tuffnut give you to wash it in, poison oak?"

Zephyr laughed. "No, sorry, he was all out."

"Mhm, sure." He stifled Zephyr's giggling with a gentle kiss, never breaking stride. When he leaned back, his smile was soft. "I love your hair down like that, by the way."

"Thanks, I thought I'd try something new."

He nodded approvingly. "It suits you."

Try as she might, Zephyr couldn't resist a shy smile. Eirson kissed her forehead as they glided across the open floor. Plenty of others danced around them as well, and Zephyr noticed the myriad of interested glances they got as they passed in and out of her periphery. But she couldn't care less; Eirson hadn't smiled so much in months, his laughter was easy, his eyes adoring as ever. That was all that mattered to Zephyr. At some point Nuffink and Nutmeg danced up together far too close to Eirson and Zephyr, clearly trying to get their attention as they mocked the older pair's dancing, earning a laugh from not only them but everyone nearby.

"Aren't they a cute couple," Eirson joked.

Zephyr laughed. "Believe me, that's the last thing on their minds. Nuffink is far too free-spirited for that right now."

"What about Nutmeg?"

Zephyr shrugged. "Maybe. But she hides it well."

Eirson raised his eyebrows and chuckled. "Oh, like you used to?"

"Used to? You're right, I've been giving you far too much freedom," she teased. She started to walk away from Eirson, who laughed and twirled her back into his arms, her back against his chest, holding her tight. They laughed and swayed as he kissed her neck through her hair, and all Zephyr could think about was how right it felt. She turned around again, close enough to feel his warm breath on her face.

He gently brushed a few stray hairs from her eyes and his smile turned concerned. "Are you okay?"

Zephyr hadn't realized her smile had fallen.

"Zeph, what's wrong?"

Over the last few months, Zephyr had been working hard to trust her instincts and let them drive her actions. Sometimes that meant catching on to Eirson falling into some deep darkness in his own mind and pulling him out of it. Sometimes it helped her settle a dispute between two Berkians over pointless issues like sheep eating someone else's grass. Sometimes it meant trusting a gut feeling. This time, it meant fighting through her fears and breathlessly admitting…

"I love you."

Eirson looked like a gentle breeze could have blown him over.

Zephyr didn't let his pause phase her. Now that she had finally said it, she loved the feel of the words on her lips. She softly smiled and touched his cheek. "I love you, Eir."

She noticed tears in his eyes now as the breath he was holding escaped his chest. He smiled and replied in barely a whisper, "I love you too, Zeph."

She wiped a tear from his cheek, ignoring her own welling up in her eyes now and softly chuckling. "It's okay, I'm here."

"I know," he smiled, chuckling himself now. "I'm just glad you said it twice. I didn't think I heard you right the first time." He kissed her deep and slow, arms tight around her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, standing on her tiptoes. She broke away from his lips for a moment and whispered, "Happy birthday, Eir."

His eyes fluttered open in surprise. "I… It's… It's technically tomorrow…" He laughed. "How did you know?"

Zephyr shrugged. "Uncle Fishlegs has records on everyone. I was curious."

Eirson shook his head and smiled. "Any other surprises from you tonight?"

"I think I might let you off the hook if you kiss me again," she teased.

Eirson complied right away, squeezing her gently as he continued to kiss her.

Zephyr didn't care that three whole tribes were watching. She just hoped he'd never let her go.

The rest of the night seemed to fly by faster than a Night Fury. At some point the entire Haddock family was dancing together. Hiccup was holding up an incredibly exhausted but still standing Astrid. Nuffink and Nutmeg were generally goofing around and clearly enjoying themselves. Spero was dancing like a true gentleman with Zephyr. Willow was giggling in Eirson's arms as he swung her around. Gobber and Valka shortly joined by Vidar and Runa were doing some version of what Zephyr assumed to be traditional dancing, albeit very sloppy and drunken. Eventually Snotlout and Miden joined as well, quickly followed by Ruffnut and Fishlegs. Tuffnut had dragged an uncomfortable Eret into the mix and the two eventually joined Nuffink and Nutmeg.

For the first time since Nuffink could walk, the night went without a single disturbance. Late in the night, Astrid finally gave in and asked Hiccup to take her home. Willow had fallen asleep on Eirson by that point, and since Hiccup had to carry his wife home, Valka offered to carry Willow. Spero trudged behind with sleepy eyes, complaining that he didn't want to leave but unable to say it without yawning. Nuffink and Nutmeg had… Disappeared, predictably, but Zephyr didn't hear screaming so she figured it was fine. Zephyr went with Eirson, who decided to take advantage of being free from Willow to check on his tribe. Much to his relief, they were doing well and enjoying the night just as much as everyone else. The Outcasts were mingling with the Berkians, and the Wingmaidens were enjoying entertaining the Outcast children, no doubt giving the Outcast women a much deserved break. Osmond and Oscar were huddled around Halvor, apparently encouraging him to introduce himself to a young woman he was nervously eyeing across the room.

Eirson leaned close to Zephyr. "Do you think we should go save him?"

Zephyr laughed. "Nah, I kind of want to see how this plays out."

As if he heard them, Halvor locked eyes with them as he was sweeping the room. He gave them a withering look that begged them to help, but Eirson pretended not to notice. He decided then to enthusiastically wave and gave him a thumbs up, and then Zephyr pulled him through the crowd to the edge of the room as they both laughed hysterically. Soon after, they decided it was time to turn in for the night, leaving a party still in full-swing for most of the island.

As they pushed through the doors of the Great Hall, Eirson wrapped an arm around Zephyr to shield her from the cold. They both shivered as the icy wind raked against their faces.

"I still feel ridiculous in your dad's old furs, but I have to admit, the warmth is nice."

"I still think you look very nice in chieftain furs. I know you don't feel like it, but you make a good chief."

He scoffed, then sighed. "Thanks, but it still doesn't feel right. I guess it doesn't help that I only have half a tribe."

"Half a tribe that is fiercely loyal to you," Zephyr reminded him.

Eirson nodded. "Dad did tell me they would follow me."

Zephyr freed an arm to wrap it around Eirson's waist. "He was right. They adore you. I mean look at how well they handled the situation with Halvor."

"Most of them don't know there was a situation with Halvor," Eirson reminded her.

"And the ones that do didn't give your decision a second thought. They trust you."

Eirson was quiet for a while after that.

Eventually, Zephyr asked, "What are you thinking about?"

He didn't answer at first, but Zephyr let him take his time.

"We're only half a tribe, Zeph. Less than that, really. There's only a couple dozen of us left. Hel, nine of them are kids. And we have nowhere else to go."

"It's been bothering you a lot again, hasn't it?"

He didn't have to answer. Zephyr knew he had been agonizing over what to do with his tribe since they were brought back to New Berk. It only weighed more on his mind the longer they stayed.

"I feel like they'll be disappointed in me if I take the easy way out and just give them up to Hiccup."

Zephyr didn't hide the shock from her face. "Alright. Well, there's a lot wrong with that statement, for starters."

"No, there's not. It would be the easy way out, and it would mean giving up."

"It's not giving up if it's the right decision for your tribe. And they wouldn't be disappointed if they know you're just trying to protect them. I mean it's not like you're going to leave them, you'll still be here for them."

Eirson didn't say anything. And Zephyr really did not like the feeling she got because of it.

"Unless you're not planning on coming back after the thaw."

And just like that, she had finally spoken her greatest fear.

She didn't necessarily mean to say it, but it was out there now. And the tired sigh Eirson gave in response didn't make her feel any better.

"Listen, before you say anything, I'm not stupid. I know you're going to go with Dad and the others to fight him. And you don't even have to explain yourself, I understand why you would want to. And that's why I'm not even going to try to stop you. But, Eirson… I would be lying if I said that I was okay with it."

At this point the Haddock home was in view. Instead of answering, Eirson just said, "Let's get out of the cold."

They walked into the home in silence. As they hung up their furs by the door, Zephyr said, "Go change, I'm sure you want to get back into your normal clothes."

Eirson paused but couldn't bring himself to look at her.

Zephyr sighed. "It's alright, Eir. Your clothes are still in my room, I'll wait down here."

He hesitated for another moment, but eventually disappeared up the stairs. Zephyr sat patiently in front of the fire to warm up.

Unfortunately, being alone in the silence did not treat her mind well.

He didn't say anything in response. He couldn't even think of something to say as she rambled on. She watched him slowly heal over two months, finally starting to believe he would be okay. She wasn't stupid, she knew he still had plenty of work to do, but he was finally starting to smile and laugh again. Was it all just an act? Or was he taking solace in the fact that the end was in sight? Even worse, the end of Boyra, or the end of himself?

By the time Eirson came back down looking a bit more comfortable, Zephyr could feel herself spinning wildly out of control. He stepped into the den where Zephyr was sitting, but she couldn't look at him. She was afraid that whatever expression he had on his face, whatever words he said, would be the point of no return. So before he could do anything else, she quickly stood, muttered, "I'm going to change," and hurried past him.

But by the time she reached the top of the stairs, she realized it was too late. Her hands were shaking as she closed her bedroom door as quietly as she could. The shaking was bad enough that she struggled and fumbled with her dress. She tried to talk herself down, but she felt like she was suffocating. Putting her clothes back on only made the pressure in her chest feel heavier. She could feel the sting of tears in her eyes, but the rest of her face was numb. Why didn't he just tell me I had it all wrong right away?!

She stumbled to the door, not able to make her feet obey properly. As she reached for the door, she clearly saw Eirson lying before her, blue and cold and still as a rock. She saw it so clearly that she tripped backwards, falling against her bed. Her ears rang and her chest heaved as she tried to pull enough air into her lungs.

"No… No… Please breathe… Please…"

Eirson didn't move, his chest remained still. She could see red seeping through his clothes.

"Breathe… Breathe…"

She lowered herself to the floor and squeezed her eyes shut, but Eirson's lifeless body still lay before her. He wouldn't open his eyes, he wouldn't move, he wouldn't breathe, fucking breathe!

The ringing in her ears grew louder. She felt a cold breeze tear at her skin, she curled up into a ball to try to feel warm again but it wasn't working, and her chest felt tighter and tighter, and the room seemed to grow dim around her. She heard something far off in the distance but she couldn't place the sound, all she could focus on was Eirson still not breathing in front of her, fucking breathe already, please, please just breathe, please-

"-Zephyr, please breathe, come on, sweetheart, hey, look at me!"

Her eyes snapped up, and Eirson's eyes were open. He had a firm grip on her shoulders.

"There you are, that's right. Look at me, just focus on me."

Don't close your eyes, please, Eirson, just keep breathing.

"Hey, listen to me. You're doing it again, you're shaking like a leaf and you're breathing funny, you're going to pass out if you keep doing that. I need you to breathe, okay?"

Just breathe…

He cradled her face in his hand and wiped away her tears with his thumb. "I'm right here, you're okay. I'm not going anywhere. Take a deep breath for me. Nice and easy, just like this." He took a deep breath himself and let it out slowly.

Zephyr tried but the air caught in her throat, her chest tightened again and she just ended up breathing faster than before.

"Hey hey hey, look at me, look at me. In through your nose, honey. In through your nose, out through your mouth." He breathed deep through his nose and slowly pushed it out through pursed lips. He took her hand and placed it over his chest, holding it there and gently squeezing it. "Here, do it with me, okay?"

She could feel his heart beating hard under her hand, and then his chest slowly rose and fell as he took another breath. She stared into his eyes and took a shaky breath in time with him. Over and over and over, until her own breaths were as steady as his. The ringing in her ears faded and the room grew brighter again.

"There you go… There's my girl... Come here, I got you." He leaned against the bedpost next to her and helped her crawl into his lap. His arms wrapped tightly around her, securing her to his chest as he kissed her hair and gently rocked side to side. He whispered in a pained voice, "Gods, why do I keep hurting you?"

Zephyr focused on his heart beating against her ear. She wanted to reassure him but he spoke before she was physically able to speak.

"I swear, I'm not trying to get myself killed, Zephyr."

She swallowed and slowly nodded her head. "I'm glad to hear that." Her voice was thick and raspy.

They stayed quiet and Zephyr willed her body to stop shaking. It was better, but she still felt unsteady and out of control.

"But you're still going," she finished for him.

He hesitated, still rocking her in his protective embrace. He kissed her head again before admitting, "Yes, I am. Osmond and Oscar already said they will be too. Osmond talked to the guys and they're all on the same page." He stilled and leaned back again, softly caressing Zephyr's arm.

"How are you so calm about it?"

She felt him silently sigh. "Because that bastard has to die, Zeph. And I know it sounds horrifying, but I have to see it happen. I have to know that, without a doubt, that son of a bitch is gone for good, that he will never have the chance to hurt any of us again."

Zephyr could feel herself starting to tremble again.

"Hey, hey… Zephyr, look at me, honey. I need you to hear this."

He waited patiently for her to lift her head and look him in the eye. His gaze was unwavering.

"I love you, Zephyr. I love you so much it hurts sometimes. That alone gives me all the reason I need to fight like Hel out there. I need you to understand that I am not trying to leave you. I have every intention to come home to you. But he can't keep getting away with this shit, and I have to make sure that he doesn't." He brushed her hair out of her eyes. "Gods, I love you, though. And I will be thinking of you every moment I'm gone until I have you safe back in my arms. And I know that you'll be terrified the whole time I'm gone, and I hate myself for knowing that and going anyway. I just have to pray that you understand and that you'll forgive me for it one day. Just please don't give up on me, okay?"

She sniffed and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Never. I promise."

Eirson wiped away a last tear that escaped from her eye. "Then I promise I won't either, alright?"

Zephyr nodded. He leaned in and kissed her once, twice, a third time for good measure, and then pulled her back into his chest. After some time, once Zephyr's breathing had settled back down, she asked, "Do you need to go home?"

"Do you want me to?"

She shook her head and admitted, "No."

He kissed her hair. "Then I think I'll just stay here and hold you, if that's okay."

Zephyr wasn't going to argue.

At some point she must have drifted off, but when she opened her eyes again she could feel Eirson's chest gently rumbling as he hummed a song. She didn't move, afraid that he would stop, so she tried to keep her breaths steady and listened to the melody. She must not have done a good job because he paused a few moments later.

"Sorry if I woke you," he whispered.

"You didn't," she lied. "That's a nice song. I don't recognize it."

"Nanna taught it to me. Dad said it was a song my mom used to sing. I don't know if that's true or if he was just trying to give me something to make her feel close, but I guess it doesn't matter much either way."

"You could ask Atali, she would probably know."

He nodded slowly. "Yeah, maybe I will." He was quiet after that.

She looked up at him. "Will you sing it to me?"

He smiled and nodded. Zephyr kissed his cheek as he began to softly sing in a rich, deep voice. "My mother told me / Someday I will grow / Big and strong and brave / Clever, cunning, bold / Join the Viking men / Noble life I live / Fighting for our homeland / Stand with the good men."

He looked down at her again, and Zephyr smiled. She laid her head back on his chest, hoping he'd continue. He started rubbing her back and then continued singing in the same soft voice to her.

"My mother told me / Someday I will lead / Oversee with pride / See to village needs / Take my father's place / Noble chief I be / Govern with a fair hand / Rule many tribesmen.

"My mother told me / Someday I will buy / A galley with good oars / Sail to distant shores / Stand upon the prow / Noble barque I steer / Steady course to the haven / Hew man foe-men.

"My mother told me / Someday I will fight / In battle I will fall / Valhalla in my sights / Bravely carry on / Noble sword I wield / Leave behind the homeland / Join all the brave men.

"We'll just ignore that last one," he added.

Zephyr smiled. "I'd prefer that. I like it, though. Even if your mom didn't know it, it says a lot that your dad wanted you to."

"Yeah, I guess it does."

She turned her face up to look at him. "I think your mom would love it, too."

He smiled. "Yeah, she would."

"Are you sure you don't have to go?"

He smiled. "You can kick me out anytime you need to."

"No, I don't want you to go," she chuckled. "But I don't want you to stay just for me, either. I'm okay now."

He softly kissed her lips. "My place is with you, my love, so long as you'll have me."

Zephyr smiled wide and snuggled into his chest. She very quickly decided that my love was so much better than my dear.

Chapter 29 is written and I am starting on the editing phase soon, so I will be back before you know it :) Also, the discord is still active if anyone would like to join! Link in my bio